Laboratory training on NGS for wastewater surveillance

This training provides hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows applied to wastewater surveillance. Participants will gain practical skills in PCR amplification, DNA library preparation for Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, and data analysis using the Galaxy platform. The course combines wet-lab exercises, theoretical sessions, and demonstrations to ensure participants understand both laboratory procedures and bioinformatics analysis.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Prepare and amplify cDNA from wastewater samples using PCR and quantify it using Qubit and Tapestation.
• Perform Illumina and Oxford Nanopore library preparation workflows, including bead clean-ups, DNA repair, and adapter ligation.
• Understand and operate basic bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data analysis using the Galaxy platform.
• Demonstrate knowledge of NGS theory, including sequencing principles for Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies.
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data for wastewater surveillance applications.

The training covers the following topics:

• 24 March 2026 - PCR Amplification and Sample QC and Theory

Participants will perform cDNA synthesis, multiplex PCR, and purification of PCR products. They will learn to quantify and assess the quality of amplified DNA using Qubit and Tapestation. 
Theoretical sessions cover wastewater surveillance principles and sequencing basics (Illumina and ONT) as well as introduce wastewater surveillance and showing examples of using sequencing in wastewater surveillance.

• 25 March 2026 - Illumina Library Preparation and Bioinformatics (Galaxy)

Participants will carry out Illumina DNA library preparation, including bead-linked tagmentation, post-tagmentation clean-up, amplification, and adapter ligation. There will also be a demo of sequencing on the NextSeq platform.
Galaxy Part II focusing on data analysis.

• 26 March 2026 - Oxford Nanopore Library Preparation and Bioinformatics (Galaxy)

Participants will prepare DNA libraries for Oxford Nanopore sequencing, including DNA repair, end-prep, adapter ligation, and clean-up. Hands-on exercises are complemented by flow cell priming demonstrations.
Galaxy Part II focusing on data analysis.

Sciensano
Juliette Wytsmansstraat 14 
Brussels, Belgium

This course is intended for:

• Laboratory technicians and research staff working in molecular biology or environmental surveillance

• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA handling).
• Experience using pipettes and standard laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with computer use for bioinformatics (basic knowledge of Galaxy is an advantage but not mandatory).

• Training materials, protocols and presentations will be shared
• There is public access to the Sciensano Galaxy platform after registration through the platform

laura.vanpoelvoorde@sciensano.be